Plan for Emergencies With Pets in Mind

Did you know that a majority of Georgians have not considered their pets when planning for emergencies?

Are you one of those people?

As a pet owner, I worry about what will happen to my pets during severe weather.

If a tornado watch is issued, I make sure to take my dogs' leashes out of the closet at my front door and place them where they can be grabbed easily. If I go to bed while a tornado watch is in effect, I put the leashes beside my bed. 

Paranoid pet owner? Probably. But my pets are my children, and I want them to be as safe as possible. 

So does Ready Georgia, an initiative of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency that encourages residents to prepare their families — including pets — for potential disasters.

To help pet owners protect their furry loved ones, Ready Georgia is sharing information on steps to prepare your pets in the event of an emergency.   

“In an emergency, your pet will depend on you for his or her safety and well-being, so it’s crucial to prepare them like you would any two-legged family members,” Lisa Janak Newman, a spokesperson for GEMA, said in a news release. “A 2011 survey conducted on behalf of GEMA reveals that 54 percent of Georgians have not stocked extra emergency supplies for their pets. If you take the time to prepare today, you can help avoid stress and worry on you and your loved ones — including Fido — in the event of an emergency.”

Pet owners are encouraged to start by creating a pet Ready kit that includes basic items, such a three-day supply of food, water and medication, as well as important documents, including rabies vaccination forms.

The Ready kit for my two dogs, a 2-year-old Boxer bulldog Louie and a 4-year-old American bulldog named Buster, includes medication for anxiety for Louie and allergy medicine for both of my babies. 

Depending on the type of pet you have, you may want to include an extra collar with an ID tag, an extra harness or leash and familiar items such as a favorite toy or bed to reduce stress in your Ready kit. 

After packing the kit, create a plan detailing where to take your pet during an emergency. In the event you have to evacuate, most public shelters cannot accept animals. Try to locate a hotel that would accept you and your pet or a boarding facility near the shelter. Also consider developing a “buddy system” with friends or relatives who would be willing to lodge you and your pet during an emergency. Finally, stay informed about the different types of disasters in Georgia and make a plan to respond to each one.

For more information about preparing your pet and the other members of your family for disasters, and to find Ready kit checklists, visit www.ready.ga.gov. 

For preparedness on the go, pet owners can also download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app.

Have you made plans for your pets in the event of emergency situations? Tell us in comments.